![]() ![]() So if PVC is extremely toxic, is there a safer plastic that can replace it? Is TPU a Safer Alternative for Air Mattresses?īecause of the toxicity of PVC, more air mattresses are starting to be made with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU). TPU is elastic and melt-processable. When incinerated, PVC emits harmful chemicals into the air.Ĭan you imagine the number of toxic chemicals you breathe in and absorb into your skin each night if you sleep on a new air mattress made of PVC? It’s no wonder people can experience symptoms such as migraines, skin irritations, and congestion after sleeping on an air mattress. ![]() PVC can contain “up to 55% plasticizing additives by weight.” The plasticizers, commonly phthalates, soften the PVC to make it bendable. However, it’s more than a strong odor about which we should be concerned. PVC can take a long time to off-gas, causing a strong odor to come from the air mattress. PVC is the second most widely used plastic resin and is one of the most toxic and hazardous plastics. Many air mattresses on the market today are made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic. Phthalates are known to disrupt normal hormone function and are linked to many poor health conditions. They also are readily absorbed into the bloodstream where they can accumulate. Phthalates are harmful because they are easily released from products as their molecules aren’t always chemically bound to the plastic. Plasticizing additives are generally phthalate chemicals. This flexibility is especially important when it comes to air mattresses as they need to fold into something small making them easy to carry and pack. One type of chemical additive commonly added to plastics is “plasticizers.” Plasticizers are colorless “softening agents making it easier for the polymer chains to move and be flexible.” In other words, it increases the elasticity of a material. Plasticizers Are Generally Phthalatesįirst, let’s take a look at chemical additives in plastic. Some plastics are more hazardous than others. However, not all plastics are created equal. Unfortunately, manufacturers are not disclosing the chemicals that comprise different plastics.ĭue to the nature of air mattresses, they need to be flexible, comfortable, and waterproof, so plastic has been the material of choice to use in their development. Plastics can contain literally thousands of possible additives/chemicals that affect the hardness, softness, and texture of products. Today, the plastics industry is one of the most rapidly growing industries in the United States.Īlthough we have certainly benefited from the plastics industry – particularly in the form of convenience – we are also the first generation to have been subjected to an inundation of dangerous chemicals as a result. ![]() Plastics are used in so many different types of products – from food containers to air mattresses and car parts. First produced over 100 years ago, synthetic plastics are polymers made of carbon and other elements. Sounds like more work but after rolling a few in a row the extra few seconds are worth it for your wrists.It’s no surprise that our world today uses a ton of plastics. Much more comfortable that way.Īlso, when you roll them up, instead of trying to get every ounce of air out of it the first time my kids just open the nozzles, roll them up the best they can then close the nozzle, unfold them then after about half way rerolling open the nozzles again and continue. These also have an R7 insulation value whereas I often have more blankets under me than on top with a regular air mattress since it's often damp and the ground is often cool camping so it wicks heat from you.Įven at home when we have company or on the road visiting family everyone in the house prefers these to an air mattress.Īlso a hint to anyone who's buying these is to unroll them at home for a few days and leave them open before first using them so they expand a bit. For one, air mattresses lose air as the temperature changes whereas these don't and with a regular air mattress if you have someone sleeping next to you good luck on getting comfortable, especially if you're a light sleeper. I'll take one of these 3" self inflating over any air mattress any day of the week. More portable yes but a 2" self inflating foam pad is not going to be as comfortable as a 12" one. Guncho wrote: ↑Self inflating mats are not as comfortable as a big old air mattress. ![]()
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